Sword and Serpent

This is a great adventure and coming-of-age story for tweens and young teens. I think even adults who enjoy YA historical fantasy that isn't too challenging to read will also enjoy it. It isn't Dostoevsky or Melville, but it isn't trying to be.It accomplishes its goals brilliantly. If you are looking for YA fiction that will ennoble your child while also giving a few hours of literary adventure, I think you could hardly find a better book.While it is easier to stand tall when you stand on the shoulders of giants, I will recklessly say that this book is even better than several of C.S. Lewis' Narnia books.Set in the time of the Emperor Diocletian, the two protagonists (a young Cyrenian priestess of Moloch [or something like it] and a young Roman citizen who aspires to join the Legion though his father has died, leaving the family much reduced) are swept into political and supernatural events that take them on epic journeys which eventually collide in Rome The two young heroes slowly realize that their fates, and the fate of the world, depend on them helping each other to overcome the demons of their troubled pasts.Along the way they encounter giants, rogues, and wonder-workers, all of whom Marshall uses to present a vision of the ancient world that both absorbs and renews the greatest legends of that time.The prose is delightfully fluent and almost always compelling, with hardly a false note through the whole book (and I have very high standards).Nothing is perfect in this life, but the book is -- mirabile dictu! -- nearly free from grammatical and typographical errors. So much YA fantasy these days is sloppily edited and hastily produced. I can only imagine that it is eroding the writing instincts even of the best readers among our children. This one, however, is a well-polished gem that you can trust not to harm your child's instincts for good English.I don't often give five stars to things, but this is a rare case of a book that really sets the bar higher for everything else that comes after. If there is any justice in the world of literature, this book will be recognized as the best YA fantasy of the year. Marshall deserves rather more acclaim than Rowling received for her first several books.I look forward to seeing where Marshall goes from here. He shows great promise in this book. I hope the muses continue to visit him.

I was expecting more from the characters in the story. I was disappointed and frustrated about the characters' weak attributes. I quickly ascertained whom the main character was. I expected a foundation from which the characters would have depth. At best they were shallowly portrayed. The information about this time period was very interesting. I expected more from the author.

The story was interesting from beginning to end. I gave it this rating because I loved the story all except the ending. You should read it to find out why.

I received this as a Christmas gift from my mom. This book sucks you in from the beginning, and it has many amazing Catholic characters. I couldn’t put the book down, and I was stunned at the storyline. The ending of the book left my wanting more, which luckily, there was. I definitely recommend this book, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions!Mother’s review: Being familiar with and enjoying Dr Marshall’s work, I was glad to learn of this book and so bought it as a gift for my daughter. After she finished the book she hounded me to read it, convinced I would love it. She wasn’t wrong. I expected this book to be juvenile and aimed for my daughter’s age group (14). I was was not prepared to be so enthralled in it myself. This book has so many edifying and beautiful elements that simultaneously inspire, ignite, teach, entertain, and encourage. I loved it. My daughter loved it and recommends to anyone with eyes to read and ears to hear. Read this book. Thank you Dr. Taylor Marshall. Please write more books like these!

I would give this book 3.5 stars but I decided to round up as this story has me interested enough to read the next. It is engaging and good especially for thoughtful pre-teens and up.SPOILER ALERT:Casca scene with Jurian’s sister towards the end of the book felt rushed and unrealistic. A woman of this era would not go into this place and endanger her brother IMHO. I also think her beauty would’ve caused the others to stop Casca until she was “tried”.Scene with Flavvia at the end of the story was unnecessary and could’ve been easily remedied with divine help. Why was this “punishment” necessary? Why did Sabra need a GIRK to accompany her? Her slave or even Alissa’s mother would’ve made more sense instead of yet another girl. This would be even more punishment for Sabra who was already giving her life for her village.Otherwise a solid story and I did like the epilogue with Nikolaus (spelling?).

I've heard the legends of St. George and St. Christopher (introduced here as the giant Menas) from my early years in Catholic schools. But the images of George as the patron saint of Great Britain had me imagining him as a medieval knight, and had to do an intriguing bit of rethinking to see him as a young recruit to the legion, named Jurian, boldly standing before Emperor Diocletian at the beginning of the Roman persecutions of Christian martyrs. The dragon cast as the Old Testament pagan deity Molech was another twist, but not surprising, as he represents the timeless entity that must always seek to devour the innocence in every age to assert itself. Sabra was a new element but she and Jurian's saintly sister take him out of his self-doubt and cynicism to a realization of his calling and help him understand the new Christianity his family has embraced. Other familiar figures are seen in a new light: St. Nicholas, St. Helena and her son Constantine, Pope Linus who succeeded Peter, round out a beautifully retold novel of the early building of Jesus Christ's Church that has remained a strong influence on our world from its inception. I am now re-reading the second book, and eagerly anticipating the publication of the third. No matter what your faith, Marshall's novel is a gripping read.

This is a great story, with characters that challenge and change their world, as one imagines it must or could have happened. Love the way so many traditional personas of early saints are linked into the plot and even the Arthurian legends. Great stuff, can’t wait to get stuck into the next book. While all adults will enjoy this book, I think it is suitable for age 12 to read as well.

An outstanding trilogy! One of the best novels I have read. It kept me up many a night because I could not put the books down. Not only highly entertaining but also inspiring for heart and soul. I hope that many--especially many young men--will read these. If you are looking for a highly entertaining read that will leave your heart happier and more at peace after reading than before, look no further!Fr. Anthony Pillari

Brilliantly put together, I just couldn’t put it down!! I started with the paperback & on seeing how good it was quickly moved on to my kindle so I could read on all my devices. I absolutely loved it & will be ordering the next 1 asp..There was nothing to dislike & to be honest even if you are not of the faith the storyline still would be fascinating to you. A great read for all ages, after all it’s got Giants, Dragons Damsels in distress & even Excalibur

I wasn't expecting this to be as good as I found it to be. Taylor Marshall manages to weave in various saints of the period in original yet convincing ways, keeping up the momentum throughout in what proves to be an uplifting thriller. Obviously it will appeal to Christians, and Catholics most of all, but I would recommend it for anyone interested in a historical novel about this period of persecution.

A story of adventure, regret and redemption, beautifully crafted, with engaging characters and vivid imagery. One for all ages. Impressive